We currently live in Germany and will be moving to Portugal when I retire around the end of the year or early next year. We are starting to look for a good used car to purchase here and drive to Portugal. I am familiar with the importation process and know that as long as I can show I have owned the car for at least six months I will not have to pay import tax. My question is about which type of car we should be looking for, or what cars we should avoid. Obviously, we are not looking for a big car, truck or SUV, but something smaller, but still large enough to be able to carry our golf clubs back and forth. Yeah, priorities. LOL Our first thoughts are Toyota or VW as they are good vehicles, last a long time if properly maintained, and should be easy to find a mechanic to work on there. I am looking at a 2013 Ford C-Max TDI, European Specs. Would this vehicle be easy to find a mechanic to work on? European Fords are very common here in Germany. I am thinking we should avoid cars from the UK, like the Mini Cooper, now that the UK has left the EU and it would probably be more expensive for parts, etc. Any thoughts on which makes or models of cars would be preferable will be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance!
Please feel free to view our Forum, but you must either LOGIN or REGISTER to join in the conversation.
I might add that we currently have an old (2003) Toyota Yaris. It is a great vehicle, but we think too small for what we need, i.e., driving to Portugal with luggage, and then hauling golf clubs back and forth.
You might want to look at the owner's reviews on this website as part of your research into which vehicle to buy.
@old-bloke Thank you for the link but from what I see, not very useful. Not any recent reviews. I will keep researching, though. Again, thank you, I do appreciate the response!
If availability of servicing and maintenance is the concern, then take a look at the cars available second hand on pt websites. that will give a good indication of what's popular and what is prevalent on the road in Portugal.
Accepted as the workhorse go to, the Motor Trade is without doubt The Vw Golf is the answer . Downside they more expensive , but you pay for what you get.
They are reliable ,parts are everywhere. Diesel was always the favourite but seems to be going out of favour .Diesel is more money in PT. Toyota are good but not known for their economy. French cars are good for mechanical but the bodies fall apart. Always pay a mechanic to check the car out first, who is totally separate from the seller. Could save costs later and time in the garage!
Latest Post: New Members Update 24 February 2021 Our newest member: Marianne Talbot Recent Posts Unread Posts
Premium
The first year’s donation is only €47 with a 50% discount every year you continue to renew your membership. By becoming a valued Premium Member today, you will unlock some great privileges, freebies and perks.
- Guaranteed access to our interactive webinars (visit our What’s On Calendar for our next online events)
- Browse the forum with no advertising (only see our partners)
- 20% discount off establishment fees with Fiduciary Wealth Management team
- 20% discount off online yoga classes from Algarve Yoga Smiles
- 20% discount off Spotahome mid-long term rental booking fees
- 25% discount off Automóvel Club de Portugal first year’s membership fee (includes discounted fuel & health insurance)
- 15% discount off Mia Esmeriz online Portuguese language academy
- FREE tax consultation with All Finance Matters
- 50% discount off golf games at Lisbon Sports Club
- 10% discount off The Portugal Company real estate buying services
- 10% discount off Ei! Migration “moving to Portugal” services
- Exclusive offers from Reis & Pellicano international law firm services
- 5% discount off Eurosender shipping and freight costs
- 10% discount off Business Directory advertising
- 10% discount off Ask Our Expats services
- Buy and sell items in our Classifieds forum
- And last but not least, help us grow this website and community
Stay up to date
Sign up for regular content updates sent directly to your inbox.
Copyright © 2021 Expats Portugal
Marketing by Unity Online